10 Tips to Take to the Dog Park

While dog parks are the ultimate playgrounds for pups to play off-leash without a glaring eye from mom and dad, bad habits and doggie disputes can break out fast. Luckily, most people are aware if their dog is socialized in a public manner, keeping all-out brawls on the low side of the scale. However, a few bad experiences, for pet and owner alike, can keep newbie dog park-ers at bay while others are blissfully/obliviously unaware.

So who’s responsible for the spats or the rough housing? The fresh pile of doo unattended? What are the etiquette rules to follow? Below is a list of some doggie do’s and don’ts to help the newbies stay on the right track and the good side of the regulars.

Disclaimer: Some of the pointers may sound obvious, even common sense, but I wouldn’t add them if I hadn’t seen them myself. Read on.

1. Scoop your poop. If you don’t, the poop gods will get you. And trust me, it’s not fun to clean the doo from the bottom of your multi-indented sneakers.

2.Don’t bring food. And no, this is not obvious to everyone. What’s worse, people get annoyed/irritated when they’re swarmed by a dog pack wanting a piece of their Subway sandwich. So just don’t.

3. On that note, when you have treats, expect to be followed and totally sucked up to. They can sniff you out a mile away. It’s okay to have them, sometimes even necessary to get Fido back from the pack, but just expect that you’ll get beggars. And if you feel the urge, make sure it’s okay by the owner to give their pooch a treat . . . not all will want it.

4.Don’t leave the wee (human) ones unattended. Most dog parks are wide open spaces and dogs, by nature, are hunters and even as a puppies will chase anything that moves. A small child, running at a distance in the wide open looks more like prey than a human being. At best, keep the kiddies an arm’s length away. Which leads me to my next point . . .

5. This is not a park! Bring your kids, of course. It’s great socialization, but never forget this is a DOG PARK. It is meant for the dogs to run and play, it’s not a community park. Not all dogs are kid friendly and as long as they’re in the correct space for their behavior, you should respect that.

6.Digging is rude. The dog park isn’t the place to be a passive owner and chit chat with fellow dog lovers. You have to watch your dog like you would your child. Make sure they’re safe, playing nice and not ruining the property that everyone enjoys. If you don’t let them do it at home, don’t let them do it at the park.

7.If your dog is shy, small or young, it may not be able to handle the flurry of excited pups ready to meet and kiss their face or tangle with the rough-housers rolling around. If this is the case, seek out places that accommodate the shy and quiet types. Dogs do play hard and that’s okay. But it’s also not for everyone so find a park that caters to your pup’s needs.

8.If you don’t want your dog’s brand new ball/toy stolen, the dog park is not the place to bring it! Know that other dogs will chase the ball you throw, will jump at the toy in your hand and will often steal the ball from your dog to get a reaction and entice a game of chase. It’s not always right or respectful on the thief’s (or their owner’s) behalf but it happens. Fair warning.

9. Be aware of your dog’s level of roughness. Again, the park is not the place to be an innocent bystander, you have to watch your dog. If it’s bullying or playing too rough for a submissive or young pup, be weary. Find the owner and make sure that it’s okay that your dog play in that manner. If not, get your dog’s attention on something else e.g., you, a ball, a new dog.

10. Most importantly, don’t bring brand new babies (anything under four months)to play with the big boys. It may be tough not to bring the newest member of your family to show off and introduce to the neighborhood “kids” but if they’re too young and/or do NOT have their complete puppy shots – you need to wait. It’s your dog’s safety that matters.

In most areas, the dog park circle is small. Very small. If you let your dog go rampant, disrespect the rules or worse, others, you’ll be remembered and talked about for a while. No person wants that and no pup wants blackballed from the local hang out. My list of ten is just a shallow dive into the “proper dog park protocol and procedure”.

Dog park people – they’re usually friendly. If you don’t know, just ask . . . my guess is they’re more than willing to help out.

they should post rules like these AT dog parks.
We were at Golden Gardens once and a dad comes in with his kids holding ice cream cones… of course my Dane goes over for a sniff and the dad gives ME stink eye because HE thought it was smart to bring food carrying kids into the dog park.
Another time (also at Gold Gardens) a kid was running around and a few dogs who were chasing eachother ran into the kid and sent him flying. He was okay, a little shaken up, but his parents were shocked that dogs ran into their kid. HELLO. oi.

OMG..So true!! I took my dog to the dog beach. Now this is a beach area designated for dogs. A couple decides to bring barbequed roast beef sandwiches and proceeds to eat them on the beach. My dog got one wiff of that and was on them immediately. They got an attitude with me and I felt really bad. But, hey the sign says dog beach. They knew there would be dogs there trying to eat thier sandwiches. lol

You couldn’t pay me enough to go into a dog park. The ones in my area tend to be frequented by dog walkers with multiple dogs and coffee drinkers who don’t keep an eye on their charges.
I know of a couple of people who have had their dogs bitten (in friendly play) but have been injured and needed Veterinary attention. Of course, the owners of both of the offending dogs were unwilling to admit that their dogs caused the injury.
There are a lot of people out there that use these parks and enjoy them…I am obviously mot one of them:) If you are going to let your dogs loose with a pack you better be prepared for people that will not be willing to pay a vet bill should their dog injure yours. Perhaps everyone should be video taping instead of chatting with their coffees!!

These are great tips to post! I once saw a young child with a wind jacket tied around her waist go running into a dog park and all the dogs started running after her and it was very scary! I couldn’t believe her parents weren’t anywhere near her and didn’t teach her how to be safe around unfamiliar dogs.

Very well written. I might add, as well, wear your old clothes into the dog park. It is not a place to come dressed all in white just after a rainfall. Expect muddy paws, happy drool, occasional urine on your shoes if you are not watching, slobber, grass, and a lot of happy furry bodies leaning up against you hoping to get a hug or a pet. Expect, as well, to be knocked down occasionally. It’s all in the spirit of entering dog territory. If you are dressed to the nines, this is not the place for you.

My 8 1/2 months old Mini Aussie loves the dog park. He is a sturdy little guy who is not afraid to play with the big dogs.I love to watch him having fun.Most of the time all the dogs get along just fine.Occasionally there is a dog (and owner)whose behavior I find unacceptable .So we leave-and come back an other time.No hard feelings ,but I am not willing to take stupid risks for my puppy.Those times we just have an on-leash leisurely stroll in the regular park . Btw-I learned the hard way not to bring treats -you’ll be mobbed ,if you do…

No! Why would you bring anything that is a resource to a dog park. You’re asking for fights to break out. Maybe some dogs will just sniff you for treats, but some are seriously food aggressive and will cause harm to other dogs that may approach. Same with toys. Not cool. Keep anything of value to a dog out of the park. That is irresponsible and that type of ignorance will cause a trip to the vet.

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This blog is designed to be a community where pet owners can learn and share. The views expressed in each post are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Trupanion. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.